The sun's rays are warm and the breezes welcome as summertime comes to America's Finest City. Take respite from the heat with a light meal, a view, and a cool drink.

A.R. Valentien 11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla 858-453-4420 Named after Albert R. Valentien, decorator of the renowned Rookwood Pottery in Ohio and the painter of 1,000 native San Diego wildflowers for Ellen Browning Scripps' private library, the restaurant is a snug cluster of three small rooms with an expansive veranda on the edge of the rolling, emerald-green Torrey Pines golf course.

Pacifica Del Mar 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar 858-792-0476 Ever notice how some waterfront restaurants with absolutely spectacular views really don't bother making the food just as memorable? This trendy, vibrant place is different. From Pacific Rim-inspired menu to happy hour appetizers -- the kitchen and staff get everything right.

J. Taylors 1540 Camino Del Mar Del Mar 858- 793-6460 You can savor fresh, eclectic, American cuisine with a blend of Mediterranean, Pacific and Southwestern influences. Chef Tom Atkins, who cooked at the James Beard House in New York and Chef de Cuisine Michael Zon Frilli, serve up a distinctive menu offering original dishes infused with the flavors of fresh herbs grown in the kitchen's own on-site garden.

Rancho Valencia Resort Restaurant 5921 Valencia Circle Rancho Santa Fe, CA 858-759-6216 Award winning cuisine presented in wonderfully romantic surroundings, using the freshest local ingredients makes for a superb dining experience.

Mille Fleurs - 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 858-756-3085 Mille Fleurs is not a restaurant, it’s an experience. With numerous awards to its credit, Mille Fleurs is consistently rated one of the best restaurants in San Diego county, inspiring pilgrimages to Rancho Santa Fe by San Diegans and tourists alike. Such a journey is well worth it for the opportunity to taste German-born Chef Martin Woesle’s classic French-meets-California creations.

Pamplemousse Grille - 514 Via de la Valle Solana Beach, CA, 858-792-9090 Jeffrey Strauss makes a personal statement on the pleasurable dining experience - casual yet elegant, inspired yet straightforward, quality food that delights all the senses. His menu at Pamplemousse Grille melds his many creations from his tenure at Glorious Food, New York City's preeminent caterer for more than 15 years, and his many travels to Europe to experience, learn and create the finest cuisine the world has to offer.

Tapenade - 7612 Fay Ave., La Jolla CA, 858-551-7500 Tapenade has gained a loyal following thanks to the fine food, stellar service, and classic atmosphere. Tapenade also has a well-balanced wine list, a full bar, a private room, and a patio for outdoor dining on the streets of La Jolla. With crisp white linens, hardwood floors, and windows that run from floor to ceiling, you’ll love the causal but sophisticated dining experience.

Top of the Cove - 1216 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA, 858-454-7779 Top Of The Cove has earned the reputation as one of the finest award-winning dining establishments. The Chef's signature entree is the molasses seared elk with red Swiss chard, grilled sweet potatoes and blackberry shallot compote.

Donovan's - 4340 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla CA, 858-450-6666 There isn't a better steak in America. Also served daily are titanic portions of lobster tail, broiled shrimp scampi and salmon steaks. Savor the finest of chops, rack of lamb and daily chef additions. Donovan's Steak & Chop House recently received the coveted "Best of Excellence Award" from Wine Spectator for 2000, 2001 and 2003.

Jake's - 1660 Coast Blvd. Del Mar, CA, 858-755-2002 Jake's Del Mar, situated right on the beach in picturesque Del Mar, has become one of San Diego's best loved restaurants. Highly acclaimed for its spectacular oceanfront views, delicious menu and friendly service, Jake's keeps its customers coming back time again.

Nobu Gourmet in Solana Beach - 315 S. Coast Hwy 101, San Diego, CA, 858-755-7787 Nobu Gourmet Japanese Restaurant is different from any other Sushi bar or Japanese restaurant you will ever go to in San Diego or Southern California for that matter. Their secret is in our expert staff, the wide selection of traditional Japanese cuisine, and a long tradition of quality and dedication to the customer and their palate. and North County sunshine.

Vivace 7100 Four Seasons Point, Carlsbad, CA, 760-603-6999 Contemporary Italian restaurant serves dishes from Northern Italy in a casual yet sophisticated and elegant atmosphere, by the fireplace or under the stars. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the Pacific Ocean and the Batiquitos Lagoon. Vivace has been many times honored with a Four Diamond award.

Georges at the Cove 1250 Prospect Street La Jolla, CA, 858-454-4244 Beloved by San Diego natives and visitors alike, George's at the Cove is a stellar La Jolla restaurant known for bustling and excellent service, inventive California cuisine strong on fresh seafood in an oceanfront setting.

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